Value stream mapping is a lean management tool used to analyze and improve the flow of materials and information required to bring a product or service to a customer. It involves mapping the current state of the value stream and designing a future state with less waste. Key steps in value stream mapping include specifying value from the customer perspective, identifying the value stream, making products flow through pull systems, and continuously improving toward perfection. Value stream mapping helps organizations connect improvement activities by providing a vision and plan to eliminate waste across the entire process of delivering value to customers.